Bill under debate would limit farm antibiotics in Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon legislators want to curb the use of antibiotics in agriculture, joining a national movement concerned that germs are becoming more resistant and causing infections in human.

Proponents of an Oregon bill say the practice of farmers routinely feeding antibiotics to livestock to fatten it up and protect it from illnesses is contributing to the spread of superbugs.

If the legislation passes, Oregon would be the first in the nation to mandate stricter rules on livestock antibiotics.

Some farmers and veterinarians say the bill would limit them from using antibiotics to prevent disease outbreaks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says antibiotic-resistant bacteria cause 23,000 human deaths and more than 2 million illnesses each year.

The federal government is working to phase out low-dose antibiotics for animal growth.